Buyers' Guide
Sourcing and Sizing Python Exotic Snake Leather Hides
Python skin is a beautiful, strong leather with a distinctly diverse number of colors, tanning options and finishes for thousands of truly unique and one-of-a-kind applications. The exotic skin of python has been used for luxury handbags, hats, boots, furniture and wall coverings all over the world.
Sunny proudly boasts a large inventory of color and finishes in the United States. We also offer production with minimums as low as 5 skins per color, leaving it only to your imagination in how to best utilize genuine python into your patterns and designs. Notice the suppleness or softness as determining factors to freshness and consistency when ordering python. Notice skins we ship are very fresh and soft, even the glazed skins will not feel prickly. This is because the python skins we import were tanned from wet salted raw skins near to their natural habitat. Suppliers that import crispy air dried crust to save money on shipping will be attempting to re-hydrate dry skin.
Sourcing and Sizing Crocodile Leather Hides
Crocodile skins are world known for their versatile uses; our clients have utilized our genuine crocodile belly and hornback skins for furniture, fashion, interior design applications and upholstery.
In addition to crocodile belly and crocodile hornback skins we also stock several sizes and colors of grade 1-2 crocodile backstraps, or cuts from the length of tail to the upper center bony spine, which are frequently used for belts, guitar straps, handbags, and cuffs.
We stock several species of legally traded crocodile leather, available only in Grade 1-2.
Nile Crocodile (C. niloticus) from Africa - Available in very limited quantities, our stocked grade 1-2 matte, glazed, and buffed- suede finish belly skins range between 28 - 50cm.
Freshwater Crocodile (C. novaeguineae) from New Guinea - Luxurious crocodile belly skins in grade 1-2 with sizes ranging from 30 - 50cm. All of our Freshwater crocodile hides are imported and finished in America. We offer custom colors for orders as low as 4 skins per color.
Saltwater Crocodile (C. porous) from Australia - Rare, classic glazed finished belly skins are currently in stock in several colors with sizes ranging between 40 - 55cm.
Crocodile hides are valued by measuring the hide at its widest point across the abdomen. Our standard crocodile sizing comes in several sizes throughout the year or season, with sizes ranging from Medium to XXL. Similar to carat sizing with diamonds, the width of a hide is the considering factor for determining the rarity and price of a finished skin. For example, a large Grade 1 hide is exponentially more rare and thus more valuable than a medium or small skin. Here is how we rate our standard sizes:
*Note that all exotic skins are a commodity, and as such, all products3 are subject to availability.
Always know the width you need before making a purchase. We want you to have a smooth and hassle-free experience shopping with us. Our staff have over a decade of experience in working with exotic leathers; if you are not sure which size or quantity of skins you need for your project, contact us prepared with the measurements of your pattern so we can assist you with obtaining the right amount of material. In addition, have a look at our sizing information and have realistic expectations. Always give yourself a bit of seam allowance and wiggle room.
Legalities and Conservation
All species of crocodile we provide are legally imported and traded in the United States with the ability to also legally export. We do not offer Freshwater Siamese from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia; this species has trade restrictions that make them illegal for import to possess or market in the United States, even with CITES paperwork. Always know the source of the exotic skins and ensure the paperwork is correct and double check the trade restriction before believing those in 3rd world countries trying to get a sale regardless if they know you are committing criminal actions - rest assured with Sunny, you are only getting legal skins at fair market prices that comply with all laws and regulations.